Jannik Sinner is in the third round of Paris. © ANSA / YOAN VALAT

Jannik Sinner's grand gesture in Paris

Jannik Sinner races through Paris on a high-speed train: On Thursday, the 23-year-old eliminated Richard Gasquet at the French Open in Paris. Things then turned emotional.

29 May 2025

From: dl

2:15 hours in the opening match against Arthur Rinderknech, 1:59 hours against Richard Gasquet: While other favorites like Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz each dropped a set in Paris, Sinner, as usual, didn't give up. In the second round, the world number 1 defeated the French veteran Gasquet 6:3, 6:0, and 6:4.

For Gasquet, the match against Sinner was a very special one, as it was the last of the 38-year-old's career. The former world No. 7 gave it his all on Paris's Center Court, demonstrating his class once again, especially in the third set. However, Gasquet was no match for Sinner's.

By the end of the third set, Gasquet was no longer able to keep up with his opponent, who was 15 years his junior. Sinner put on a good performance overall. The only time it got close was at the end of the first set, when he had to fend off three break points. By comparison, Gasquet won his first match at the French Open in 2002. At the time, Sinner was not even a year old.

“Richard, this is your moment.” Jannik Sinner

After the match, Sinner once again demonstrated that he is a true gentleman. The Pustertal native addressed a few words to the departing Gasquet before leaving Center Court, leaving the Frenchman to take center stage in front of his home crowd. "I know what's at stake today. Richard, this is your moment. We have a great relationship off the court—even though we're from different generations. You've had an extraordinary career—as an athlete and as a person," Sinner said.

This is how things continue for Sinner

In the third round, Sinner will face Czech Jiri Lehecka on Saturday (most likely in the afternoon). The world number 34 defeated Spanish clay-court specialist Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ATP 29) in four sets on Thursday.

Now Jiri Lehecka is waiting for Jannik Sinner. © APA/afp / ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT

With another win, the South Tyrolean would face Frenchman Arthur Fils in the round of 14 on Monday. At the same time, the world number 57 had to play against Spaniard Jaume Munar (ATP XNUMX) over five sets and four and a half hours.